This week marks two months since the abduction of human rights activist Itai Dzamara, with the European Union (EU) warning his continued disappearance may affect its bilateral relations with Harare.
The EU has called on the government to “take all necessary measures to ascertain Dzamara's whereabouts, safeguard his well being and accord him the full protection of the law, within its overall responsibilities of ensuring the safety of all its citizens.”
Authorities must also ensure that those responsible for Dzamara's abduction are brought to justice, the EU said in a statement.
In line with a High Court order last month, the European bloc also urged Harare "to provide regular and thorough progress reports on their search of Dzamara."
Relations between Brussels and President Robert Mugabe's government have thawed in the past few years with the EU rolling back its sanctions against Zanu PF officials and entities.
Political analyst Dr. Nkululeko Sibanda of Huddersfield University in Britain, said the EU's move was commendable.
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Interview With Dr. Nkululeko Sibanda